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Honest reviews of roof top tents, cargo boxes, awnings, and everything else that goes on your roof — from someone who actually lives this life.

Honda Element · Yakima SkyRise 3 Owner
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Owner review

My Daily Driver Tent

Yakima SkyRise on Honda Element, summer setup with awning
Yakima SkyRise in winter rain camping Yakima SkyRise glowing red at night
Owner Review — I own this

Yakima SkyRise 3
Rooftop Tent

★★★★★ 5 / 5 — I love this thing

I've been sleeping on top of my Honda Element in this tent across dozens of trips — rainy March weekends, steamy August nights, and everything in between. The SkyRise 3 opened up camping for me in a completely new way.

The opening sequence is satisfying every single time: pop the latches, push up, the built-in telescoping ladder drops, and you're done. Under 60 seconds to a sleeping platform above your car.

2–3 Person 3-Season Fold-Flat Hardshell Built-in Ladder Mesh Interior Pocket ~96 lbs
  • Opens in under 60 seconds — even solo
  • Sturdy hardshell keeps debris & moisture out when closed
  • Interior mesh pocket great for phone, headlamp, glasses
  • Pairs beautifully with a Yakima awning on the same rack
  • Cold weather? Add the Joyinrute insulation liner (see below)
View on Amazon →
Watch it in action

The SkyRise 3 Tour

Full walkthrough of the tent — setup, interior space, the integrated ladder, ventilation windows, and how it all packs down. If you're on the fence about a hardshell RTT, this video will push you over the edge.

Real camp setup

Accessories I Actually Use

Showing off the full rig — the awning, camp table, cooler setup, and how the Honda Element's tailgate becomes a functional camp kitchen. These are the pieces that took my setup from good to great.

Also reviewed

More Rooftop Tents

Joyinrute Hard Shell RTT on Jeep Rooftop Tent
Joyinrute
Aluminum Hard Shell RTT with Winter Insulation
★★★★★ 4.5 — Excellent all-season hardshell

Aircraft-grade aluminum shell with a detachable quilted thermal liner, flocked anti-condensation floor, 5000mm waterproofing, and a 4-sided blackout awning. A genuinely complete all-season system.

  • Detachable thermal liner — clip in/out, no tools
  • Flocked floor prevents condensation on the mattress
  • 5000mm waterproof + SPF50+ four-sided awning
  • Grade 6 wind resistance
  • Full accessory kit included in the box
Full Review → Buy on Amazon
SmittyBilt Gen2 Overlander XL on Tacoma Rooftop Tent — Soft Shell
SmittyBilt
Gen2 Overlander XL
★★★★★ 4.5 — Best value soft-shell RTT

King-size sleeping platform (92.5" × 74.8"), 4mm spring steel poles, 770lb load rating, and a 1040gsm PVC cover. The soft-shell benchmark at a price that makes hard-shell tents work to justify themselves.

  • True king-size bed — sleeps 3–4 adults
  • 4mm spring steel poles vs. cheap fiberglass
  • 770 lb load rating — built for real trucks
  • LED strip + no-see-um screens included
  • 2-year manufacturer warranty
Full Review → Buy on Amazon
Owner review

Cargo Boxes

📦 Cargo Box — I own this
Thule
615 Pulse Cargo Box, Large
★★★★★ 5 / 5 — Bought it, love it

I run this alongside my SkyRise on the Honda Element rack. The aerodynamic profile means I barely notice it on highway fuel economy, and the dual-side opening is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade.

  • Opens from both sides — never blocked in a tight spot
  • Aerodynamic low-profile design reduces wind noise
  • Tool-free installation with SlideLock system
  • Fits skis, boards, gear bags, camping chairs
  • Matte finish holds up beautifully over years
  • Locks closed for security at camp
~$500–$600 Buy on Amazon
Accessories

Awnings & Racks

🌿 Awning
Universal
Pull-Out Waterproof Retractable Awning
★★★★★ 4.0 — Budget overland awning

A retractable vehicle awning is arguably the highest-impact addition to any overlanding rig. This pull-out model gives you shade and rain coverage and deploys in under two minutes.

  • PU1000mm waterproof rating — handles real rain
  • Retractable design with adjustable legs
  • Universal mounting fits most roof racks
  • Creates a shaded outdoor living area instantly
  • Great entry-level alternative to brand-name awnings
~$150–$250 Buy on Amazon
🔩 Roof Rack
Yakima
Overhaul HD Adjustable Rack
★★★★★ 5 / 5 — The rack you build around

Before you can put a tent, box, or awning up top, you need a rack you trust. The Yakima Overhaul HD is the aluminum platform that makes everything else possible.

  • Heavy-duty aluminum — rated for 300 lbs
  • Adjustable height fits most vehicle rooflines
  • T-slot design accepts all Yakima accessories
  • Modular: start with the rack, add gear over time
  • Pairs perfectly with the SkyRise tent line
~$400–$600 Buy on Amazon
Side by side

Quick Compare

Product Type Sleeps Setup Time Hard Shell Mattress Included Price Range
Yakima SkyRise 3 ★ Rooftop Tent 2–3 Under 60 sec ✓ ✓ $1,200–$1,600
SmittyBilt Overlander XL Rooftop Tent 2–3 3–5 min ✗ ✓ $700–$900
Joyinrute Insulation Liner RTT Accessory — One-time install — — $150–$250
Thule 615 Pulse Large ★ Cargo Box — Tool-free mount — — $500–$600
Yakima Overhaul HD Roof Rack — 2–4 hrs install — — $400–$600
Pull-Out Retractable Awning Awning — Under 2 min — — $150–$250

★ = Owner-tested and recommended. Prices approximate — check Amazon for current pricing.

From experience

8 Things I Wish I'd Known

01

Weigh Your Rack System First

Your RTT, rack, and accessories stack up fast. Know your vehicle's roof rating before you buy anything. The Honda Element handles it perfectly, but check your manual.

02

Buy the Awning at the Same Time

I waited two trips before adding the awning. Don't. Shade and rain protection transform your campsite into an actual outdoor room. It's not optional gear.

03

Red Light = Perfect Night Vision

A red LED lantern inside the tent preserves your night vision perfectly. The red canvas glow looks incredible in photos too — it's become my signature shot.

04

The Ladder Angle Matters

On a slope, shimming your vehicle level before deploying makes getting up and down in the night much safer and easier. Don't skip this step on uneven ground.

05

Add Insulation for Fall Camping

The Joyinrute liner I reviewed above genuinely extends the SkyRise's comfortable season. Cold mornings inside go from "grit your teeth" to "linger with coffee."

06

Cargo Box + Tent = Perfect Split

My Thule Pulse lives on the forward crossbars, the SkyRise on the rear. The box carries all heavy camp gear so the tent isn't stuffed full — and load distribution stays balanced.

07

Camp Table at Tailgate Height

A folding table set at tailgate height lets you use your SUV as a counter extension. The whole tailgate-open kitchen setup in my video cost under $60.

08

A Hard Cooler Changes Everything

Soft coolers last 12–18 hours. A hard-sided cooler keeps ice 3–4 days. The Pelican/YETI-style alternatives on Amazon are half the price and perform nearly as well.